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Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Wreaths Across America Ride Aug. 24

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Local Businesses Support 7th Annual Fort Scott Wreath Ride

Benefitting Wreaths Across America Mission

The 7th Annual Fort Scott Wreath Ride will take place this year on Saturday, 24 August in Fort Scott, KS to once again benefit national nonprofit Wreaths Across America and its mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach.

Supported by nearly 100 local business and sponsors, the Fort Scott Wreath Ride will host hundreds of veterans and bikers, in addition to a local police escort and the Contract Freighters, Inc. fleet of military-wrapped trailers from Joplin, MO.

The Fort Scott Wreath Ride began in July of 2013 as an effort to sponsor wreaths for the Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony at Fort Scott National Cemetery located on the eastern outskirts of Fort Scott, KS.

In 2018, the Fort Scott Wreath Ride and other fundraising efforts helped provide the funds necessary to sponsor full wreath coverage of the cemetery, a goal Kevin Wagner, volunteer Location Coordinator for Wreaths Across America, Fort Scott National Cemetery, hopes to repeat in 2019.

This year’s ride will be held Saturday, 24 August from 9 am to 3 pm CDT. The ride will begin at 3rd and Main Street in Fort Scott. Bike registration will take place at that location from 9 am to 10:30 am.

Among the nearly 100 sponsors, organizer’s note the exceptional participation and support of Fort Scott Gun and Pawn which has donated two pistols to be raffled off, CFI Skyco Distribution, Union State Bank, Arma American Legion Post #182 Auxilary and Arma Son’s of the American Legion Squadron #182, Hideout Harley, Nitro Promo, and Boiler Room Brewhouse which will donate proceeds from their Beer of the Month throughout the month of August to Wreaths Across America at Fort Scott National Cemetery.

“It’s hard to single out a few sponsors,” said Kevin Wagner. “Each helps us in their own way.”

Veterans, active-duty military, their families, bikers, and the local community are invited to attend and participate in the 7th Annual Fort Scott Wreath Ride. Press photos are available upon request.

MEDIA CONTACT: Alexandra Desaulniers, Wreaths Across America, Public Relations Coordinator, Direct: 207-598-7645,Main: 877-385-9504,  Columbia Falls, ME 04623, www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 1,400 veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and overseas. For more information, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Bourbon County, Health Care

Art Therapy in Medicine

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Introducing Arts in Medicine, now Accepting Applications

 

Topeka, Kan. – Arts in Medicine, a partnership between the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC) and Emporia State University (ESU), is accepting applications from associations, agencies and organizations that provide medical services to Kansans.

If accepted, art therapy faculty and two second-year graduate art therapy students from Emporia State University will work with the applicant agency to build a medical arts program and schedule that meets the needs of specified populations.

Applicants should be interested in offering patients, clients, or staff art therapy services such as, but not limited to:

  • Group art therapy programming designed to meet the psycho-social needs of patients, caregivers or medical personnel
  • Individual art therapy for patients receiving treatment (i.e. cancer treatments or transfusions)
  • Art-based workshops for medical personnel or clinicians in training (stress relief, group bonding, etc.)
  • Arts-based programs at special events (grief camps, open houses, etc.)

Applicants must be Kansas-based institutions, organizations or associations that provide medical services to Kansas residents. Applications are welcome from agencies that serve all age and developmental levels. Art experience and art skills are not necessary.

Applications are due by Sept. 6, 2019. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a panel including members of KCAIC, ESU and art therapy professionals.

 

To submit an application, visit https://kansascaic.submittable.com.

Business, Fort Scott

TIRRI JOINS LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK

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Tony Tirri. Submitted photo.

 

 Landmark National Bank announces the addition of Anthony Tirri as a commercial banker. Tirri joins Landmark’s commercial banking team in the Southeast Kansas region.

Tirri is a recent graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness and a minor in Business. Tony is a graduate of Fort Scott High School, and he also runs a cow-calf operation and a haying business with his brother.

“We are excited to have Tony join our team,” said Gregg Motley, Southeast Kansas Regional Manager. “Agribusiness is an important focus for Landmark in Southeast Kansas, and we made a conscious decision to develop talent from within our own communities, rather than recruiting bankers from outside the region.”

Landmark Bancorp, Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “LARK.” Headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, Landmark National Bank is a community banking organization dedicated to providing quality financial and banking services. Landmark National Bank has 29 locations in 23 communities across Kansas: Manhattan (2), Auburn, Dodge City (2), Fort Scott (2), Garden City, Great Bend (2), Hoisington, Iola, Junction City, Kincaid, LaCrosse, Lawrence (2), Lenexa, Louisburg, Mound City, Osage City, Osawatomie, Overland Park, Paola, Pittsburg, Topeka (2), Wamego, and Wellsville, Kansas. Visit www.banklandmark.com for more information.

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Elections, Government

Meet the Candidate: Abbie Hodgson

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The public is invited to a Meet & Greet with
Abbie Hodgson
Candidate for Congress 2020
this Sunday, August 18th at 2pm
(sending on behalf of Chamber member
Bourbon County Democrats)
Candidate for Congress
Abbie Hodgson
will be at Boiler Room Brewhaus,
2 s. National Ave., for a Meet and Greet
this Sunday, August 18th at 2pm.
The public is welcome and
encouraged to attend.
Find out more about Abbie
by clicking HERE.
Bourbon County, Government, Kansas, Schools

DCF Terminates Grant Funding for Kansas Reading Roadmap Administrator

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Audit Discovered Non-Compliance with Grant Terms and Conditions

 

Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard today terminated the agreement with Hysell & Wagner, LLC, which administers the Kansas Reading Roadmap (KRR) program. In addition, Howard also announced the agency will directly fund schools that made plans to offer the KRR program during the 2019-20 school year at the same level Hysell & Wagner was contractually obligated under the terminated grant.

 

“The Department for Children and Families is committed to ensuring that recipients of federal and state funds are spending those funds efficiently,” Howard said. “After reviewing the results of a DCF audit and despite heightened oversight during the first six months of 2019, it’s clear that Hysell & Wagner is falling short of this basic standard.”

 

The audit, initiated during the Brownback administration but never finalized or released, uncovered problems with internal controls required to achieve compliance with grant terms and conditions and applicable state regulations. All totaled, DCF auditors determined nearly $2.3 million were incorrectly claimed and paid to Hysell & Wagner during the time period from February 2014 to December 2015.

 

Since January, DCF Economic and Employment Services leadership uncovered additional concerns with Hysell & Wagner’s FY 2019 Kansas Reading Roadmap grant, including:

–          TANF funds, categorized as indirect costs, used for excessive payments to company executives surpassing federal salary limits

–          $216,000 was paid to owners as direct expenses and more than $607,000 has been charged to the grant in “guaranteed payments” as indirect expenses which would also go to the owners

–          TANF funds, categorized as indirect costs, were used for 38 trips between Kansas and the CEO’s and CFO’s residences in Washington, DC, and San Diego, CA

–          Administrative expenses charged to the Kansas Reading Roadmap grant exceeded federal and grant-specific limits of 15% of grant costs.

DCF has, in good faith, worked with Hysell & Wagner to educate and correct the identified issues. Despite these efforts, Hysell & Wagner continues to struggle with the heightened monitoring requirements and has rejected revisions in their FY 2020 contract addressing indirect costs.

 

 

“I’ve always been concerned about the use of no-bid contracts and lack of accountability under the previous administration,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s clear that the State of Kansas cannot continue to support Hysell & Wagner’s administration of the Kansas Reading Roadmap program.

 

I am pleased that the Department for Children and Families is providing direct funding to schools for the coming year to ensure they receive the funds they’re counting on.”

 

Hysell & Wagner has until September 15 to complete their work with the program including providing notice of termination to sub-recipients of the award. DCF issued the draft audit to Hysell & Wagner August 15. The company has up to 30 days to respond. Once the agency receives their response the audit report will be finalized and made public.

 

Following is a complete list of schools who will receive funding directly from DCF for the 2019-20 school year.

 

Kansas Reading Roadmap Schools
• USD 210 Hugoton
• USD 216 Deerfield
• USD 235 Uniontown-Bourbon
• USD 247 Southeast Cherokee
• USD 252 Southern Lyon County
• USD 283 Elk Valley
• USD 288 Central Heights
• USD 297 St. Francis
• USD 298 Valley Heights
• USD 310 Fairfield
• USD 322 Onaga
• USD 333 Concordia
• USD 341 Oskaloosa
• USD 353 Wellington
• USD 383 Manhattan
• USD 386 Madison-Virgil
• USD 404 Riverton
• USD 417 Council Grove
• USD 428 Great Bend
• USD 440 Halstead Bentley
• USD 447 Cherryvale
• USD 457 Winfield
• USD 487 Herington
• USD 493 Columbus/Highland Park
• USD 497 Lawrence
• USD 503 Parsons
• USD 504 Oswego
• USD 505 Chetopa
• USD 506 Labette County
• USD 508 Baxter Springs
• Manhattan Boys and Girls Club
• Olathe Boys and Girls Club

Bourbon County, Government

Eco Devo Director Gives Update

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Bourbon County Economic Development August 2019 Report

by Jody Hoenor, Economic Director

Performance Tracking

In light of Bourbon County’s economic trends, County leadership took an active approach to seek solutions in order to boost economic development. The county is taking a more proactive role in efforts to revitalize the economy, county-wide, and is placing more emphasis on outcomes. County officials believe tracking performance allows community members to see results of ongoing efforts, increases accountability, and ultimately trust in county leadership.

A National Association of Counties (NACo) survey found 84% of respondents mentioned that their county tracks performance. Despite the many differences between counties, all have the same goals: improve outcomes and increase efficiency.

Performance tracking involves both metrics and measures to help an organization evaluate and report outcomes and effectiveness. Essential to this process is evaluating against a baseline, determined as part of a strategic planning process. The strategic plan is tailored to meet the needs of county government and its residents.

Three Phases of Strategic Planning

In order to better allocate resources and plan for future growth, Bourbon County has adopted a community-informed approach to the strategic planning process. The three phases consist of:

  1. Gathering Data to Identify Needs and Priorities

Successfully complete!

2. Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan with Performance Metrics and Measures

Next Steps!

3. Ongoing Evaluation and Reporting

The top identified priorities are:

1. Business Retention and Expansion

2. Housing

3. Quality of Life

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Fort Scott Special Events Aug. 16-18

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FRI & SAT – Livestock Sale – Fort Scott Livestock Market, weekly Fridays & Saturdays at 10:00 am. You don’t have to be a buyer, just come watch the sale and visit the café!
2131 Maple Rd. FRI & SAT – Trolley Tours – Friday 11am-3pm, Saturday 10am-3pm on the hour, leaving from the CVB/Chamber, 231 E. Wall St.
Friday, August 16
7:00pm-8:00pm – Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main –
This week’s show features Mike Lundeen on keyboard; eclectic style music, gospel and light classics. The concerts are sponsored by the Chamber, and organized by Ralph Carlson. If you are interested in performing a Friday Night Concert, contact Ralph Carlson at
[email protected]. Bring lawn chairs, seating is limited. In the event of bad weather, the show will move to Common Ground Coffee Shop.
Sundown – Flicks on the Bricks – Beauty and the Beast: Live Action (Sponsored by the City of Fort Scott – Movie starts at sundown at Skubitz Plaza, 100 Old Fort Blvd. Free
admission, no tickets needed.
Saturday, August 17
8:00am-12:00am – Farmers’ Market – Skubitz Plaza (in front of the historic fort) – The market features the very finest produce; also a great venue for community organizations to promote their mission and raise funds. Focused on fresh locally produced farm products.
8:00am-2:00pm – Woodland Hills Golf Course 1-Person Scramble – 2414 S. Horton –
1-Person Scramble, where players may play a second ball on any shot; however, once played the second shot must be used. The tournament will be flighted based on final score. $35 per Woodland Hills member, $50 per non-member. Contact Shannon O’Neil at 620-223-5060 for info & registration.
7:00pm-9:00pm – Begin the Begin (sounds of R.E.M.) concert at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National Ave. – $10 tickets on sale now at the Brewery, the Visitors Center and the Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall St. Visit boileroombrewhaus.com.
Sunday, August 18
12:00pm – Heartland Showcase Boer Goat Sale at Bourbon Co. Fairgrounds, Fort Scott – 2102 S. Huntington, 12pm. Viewing on Saturday from 4-6pm, Sunday starting at 10am, with free lunch from 11am-12pm. Contact Lisa Stripe: 402-759-5497 or Jill Lanham: 620-984-8344.
5:00pm-7:00pm – Team Trivia at Boiler Room Brewhaus – 2 S. National Ave.
SAVE THE DATE: 2019 Fall Town-Wide Garage Sale is coming Friday and
Saturday, September 13th & 14!! Register your sale or advertise your business now by calling the Chamber, 620-223-3566!
Schedule of Special Events in Fort Scott, Kansas August 16-18, 2019
Visit the Chamber & CVB/Tourism Center for more attractions & activities!
231 E. Wall Street ~ M-F 8am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm ~ (620) 223-3566
Tell your friends you’re here!
Check in on Facebook! @ FortScottChamber & @VisitFortScottKS (620) 223-3566 Chamber: www.fortscott.com CVB/Tourism: www.visitfortscott.com
Come take a ride on Dolly the Trolley!
50 minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott
@ The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
$6 adults, $4 children 12 & under
Friday, 11AM—4PM
Saturday, 10AM—4PM
231 E. Wall Street Fort Scott, KS 2 Pages on Facebook: Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce & Visit Fort Scott KS 800-245-FORT (3678) * www.fortscott.com * www.visitfortscott.com
Special thanks to the businesses below for their Chamber membership & support of the community!
RESTAURANTS:
Downtown Historic District Holmtown Pub 206 N. National 620-223-1477
Nu-Grille 24 N. National 620-223-9949
Sharky’s Pub & Grub 16 N. National 620-223-4777
La Hacienda 24 N. Main St. 620-223-4400
Papa Don’s Pizza 10 N. Main St. 620-223-4171
Crooner’s Lounge (5-9pm) 117 S. Main St. 620-224-9787
Common Ground Coffee Co. 116 S. Main St. 620-223-2499
Midtown
Nate’s Place (Lyons Twin Mansions) 750 S. National 620-223-3644
Hours: Tues-Sun 8am-2pm – breakfast all day & lunch begins at 11am, NOW SERVING DINNER! Thurs-Sat 5pm-9pm – Looking for someplace to relax after a long week? Enjoy Happy Hour in our Library Bar every Thursday, Friday and Saturday 5-6 pm, with all well liquor only $5.
Southern Fort Scott
Sonic Drive-In 1700 S. National 620-223-3630
Domino’s Pizza 1709 S. National 620-768-5533
Subway 1715 S. National 620-224-2420
Marsha’s Great Plains Deli 6 W. 18th St. 620-223-6432
McDonald’s 2224 S. Main St. 620-223-6760
Dairy Queen 2328 S. Main St. 620-224-2226
El Charro 2503 S. Main St. 620-223-9944
Penny’s Diner 2505 S. Main St. 620-768-7000
SHOPPING:
Downtown Historic District: Bids & Dibs 108 S. Scott Ave., 620-224-2437: New & consignment home décor, clothing, & accessories
Books & Grannies 11 N. Main, 620-224-2244 : Collection of used book
Country Cupboard 12 N. Main, 620-223-5980: Country accents, Victorian décor, quilting fabrics, Primitives, collectibles and souvenirs. John’s shoe & boot repair located in back of the store
Electronics Store 2 N. National, 620-223-4501: Electronics, toys and games, cell phones and accessories
Fort Scott Munitions 523 E. Wall St., 620-223-1277: Manufacturer of premium ammunition & firearms
Hedgehog.INK 16 S. Main St., 620-670-2752: New and gently used books, children’s area, writer’s area
Iron Star Antiques & Such 3 N. Main, 620-223-2929: Unique gifts, home décor, furniture, ladies apparel
J & W Sports Shop 20 N. Main, 620-223-3690: Athletic clothing and shoes
Main Street Gallery & Gifts, and other Collective Booths 23 S. Main, 620-223-2210
Mayco Ace Hardware 205 Scott, 620-223-2670: Hardware, garden and more
Miller Feed & Farm 15 W. Wall, 620-223-3420: Feed, boots, animal care & accessories
Redbud Farms & Nurseries 1291 240th St., 620-223-1811: Greenhouse & Nurseries
Ruddick’s Furniture and Floorcovering 117 S. National, 620-223-2510: Furniture and home décor
Sunshine Boutique Gifts and Cosmetics 18 E. Wall, , 620-223-6007: Gift items, candles & cosmetics
Trader Dave’s Antiques & More 15 S. Scott, 620-224-0079: Unique items ranging from antiques to gently used items
Treasure Hunt Flea Market 6 S. Main St. 620-223-3522: Antiques, furniture, collectibles & gifts
Additional Shopping Locations:
Bartelsmeyer Jewelry 1519 S. National, 620-223-2070: Fine jewelry
Fort Scott Gun & Pawn 1402 E. Wall, 620-223-0583: Visit their showroom!
HairBow Center 2326 Kansas Rd., 620-223-9898: online & warehouse ribbon & bow accessories
Heidrick‘s True Value & Nancy’s Gift Corner 1508 S. National, 620-223-2660: Hardware and gift corner Pot Pantry 1366 215th St., 620-224-7480: Unique hand-made pottery, call Bobbi to see if open to shop
Sekan’s Occasion Shop 2210 S. Main, 620-223-5190: Furniture, home décor, and party supplies
Shirt Shack 11 E. 18th St., 620-223-4680: T-shirts, jeans and other clothing
Tractor Supply Company 2420 S. Main, 620-223-4900: Farm supplies, clothing, shoes and more
Walgreens 2229 S. Main, 620-223-2402: Cosmetics, health and beauty aids, pharmacy and much more
Wal-Mart 2500 S. Main, 620-223-2867: Discount store plus groceries
TOP ACTIVITIES: Visit the Boiler Room Brewhaus! Located at 10 S. National Ave. First and only micro-brewery in Southeast Kansas!
Fort Scott National Historic Site *Free Admission* (8am-5pm): Self-guided tour, cellphone tour, 20 min. film always available.
11 buildings & exhibits. Gift shop with books, shirts, historical toys, & other souvenirs.
Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes *Free Admission* 1 S. Main, 620-223-1312, (Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 10am-4pm): Informative exhibits on unsung heroes & other award-winning exhibits. Also sells award-winning book, movie, and teaching materials.
Gordon Parks Museum & Photo Exhibit *Free Admission* 2018 S. Horton, Ellis Fine Arts Center, 620-223-2700
(Tues-Fri. 10am-4pm, Sat. 10am-2pm, & by appt.): 1st black photographer for Life magazine, photographer, poet, filmmaker. Gift shop also sells books, t-shirts, mugs, and other gift items.
National Cemetery No. 1 900 E. National Ave.: Numbered 1 of 14 cemeteries declared National cemeteries in 1861 by Pres. Lincoln.
Lyons Twin Mansions *Free Tour* 750 S. National Ave. 620-223-3644: Offers complimentary tours, any-time of day.
Courtland Hotel & Spa 121 E. 1st St. 620-223-5657: Spa/Massage/Salon Retail Outlet
Re:freshed Aesthetics 750 S. National Ave. 620-215-2694: Beauty products, facials, waxings, & more
Woodland Hills Golf Course 2414 S. Horton, 620-223-5060
Gunn Park 1010 Park Ave.: 155 acre Scenic Park, 7 shelter houses, 2 lakes, 6 mi. of trails, 18-hole disc golf course
Kansas Rocks Recreational Park 18 miles NW of Fort Scott, 130th St. Mapleton, KS. (Sat. 8am-5pm, Sun. 9am-4pm): 30 miles of trails for Jeeps & 4-wheel drives, biking, & hiking
Hunting, Fishing, & Watersports: Multiple lakes & fishing/hunting areas at Fort Scott Lake, Rock Creek Lake* Bourbon County
Fort Scott Restaurants, Shopping, & Activities

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Goat Sale Aug.18

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Heartland Showcase
Boer Goat Sale, LLC
at Bourbon County Fairgrounds
Sunday, August 18th at 12pm
Heartland Showcase
Boer Goat Sale,
Sunday, August 18th at 12pm.
There will be viewing times for Saturday, August 17th at 4-6pm and Sunday, August 19th starting at 10am. There will be a complimentary lunch from 11am-12pm.
This event is located at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 2102 S. Huntington Blvd.
in Fort Scott.
Consignors:
Tate Farms, Thunder Boer Goats, Road 20 Farms, Criser Ranch, Sunflower Boer Goats, Anderson Boer Goat Acres, StripeBoers, Broken Trigger Boer Goats, Rock’n B Ranch, Quality Boer, Fanning Farms, and 4 Star Ranch.
For more information, contact
Lisa Stripe at 402-759-5497
or Jill Lanham at 402-984-8344.